Why I Weep

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I’m warning you right this instant: this is complete stream of consciousness post. I had no way of unifying this after a long night of election drama. So, just read it all with that in mind. Comment on what you want. Ignore what you want. Enjooooooooooy.

This is going to be a hard four years for me, for our country, for our world. I pray for all of those who voted for Obama in the name of progress. Lord, they do not know what they have done. I pray for our President, despite my distaste for all he stands for. I am so sad for my daughter. I wish there was another world I could raise her in. I wish I could do better for her. I weep for the world she must grow up in. It is so hard to love your child so much and know that she must face a country that feels it is so much smarter than Jesus Christ. I can only pray that she falls into a group of friends that support her in following the only true path to eternal salvation.

Why am I scared for our country? Because for some reason, the Catholic faith is being demonized in the media, in liberal speech, and even by some Catholics who no longer identify with the Church.

If the HHS mandate were to pass, Catholics have three options: 1. violate their beliefs, 2. pay $100 PER DAY per employee or 3. only provide health care to Catholic employees. You know what I see happening if it were to pass? Catholic hospitals will shut down and millions will have to go elsewhere for care. People will belly-ache and moan about how Catholics are hypocrites for not staying open and providing care and being pro-life and blah blah blah. But, what they fail to mention is that we were forced being to disobey our God, to go against our religion (our “freedom” of religion) in order to follow a secular law. Above all else, we obey the Lord…not a bunch of American voters who think they need to change what the Lord Himself has already made pretty clear.

Why am I unhappy that Romney isn’t our new president? Because I believe that he would have protected my faith. I believe he would have taken my religion seriously even though he is not part of it. How can we trust another man that would walk all over another person’s beliefs? How can we say we are for equal rights when Catholics are conveniently left out of the equation?

It saddens me to think that people think so poorly of my faith. I take it very very personally. People talk here and there about anticipation for election season to be over so we can all be friends again. But, I can’t forget the things that people have said about my Church. I can’t forget the hurtful lies and misconceptions people continue to believe. I AM my faith. I may not live it perfectly all the time, but that is the beauty of it. Christ forgives, and I get another chance. If you’re not cool with my God, you’re not going to be cool with me. So, while the election might be over, and I will be trying to forgive those who have harmed my love, I cannot forget it. I will pray for those people, but I am still hurt.

If you consider yourself to be open minded, take a minute to talk to me. I want to tell you what my Church really has to offer. I want to tell you what she believes about protecting life. I want to tell you what she really believes about gay marriage. I want to tell you what she really believes about sin. You’ll be surprised. I promise. I need to write more apologetics posts. I would like that.

Did it ever occur to anyone that having respect for all humans does not mean giving them everything they want? As a country, we have completely abandoned moral absolutes in favor of political correctness and “fairness” to all. Just because someone feels he or she is entitled to something, it does not mean that they should have it. Does that mean we think less of that human and treat him or her as less than? Um…no. It’s the same thing as being a parent: just because Ellen wants it doesn’t mean it is best for her or our family. She can’t always have it, but I still love her and take care of her. Oh look. She agrees.

People should have all things that are of the Lord. People should have all of the respect, love, forgiveness, support and prayers that the Church wants to give them. They should have the opportunity to have all of the things they want in life…except those things that go against the Lord…and honestly, if you knew anything about the Church, there ain’t much you need to stray from. Humans rights does not equal do whatever the ish you want.

Did you know that I am actually in support of a woman making all of the choices regarding her own body? I think it is very important that she is in charge of her own health. I think she can do whatever the what she wants to her body, and I am totally cool with that (I’d really be happy if you kept yourself healthy!) Where the problem comes in for me is when she starts to make decisions for the other human inhabiting her body. When did it become ok for her to make decisions for that person’s body?

Kendra said this yesterday. I like the way she thinks. “Parties this year have tried to divide us on what they call “women’s issues.” You know what’s a women’s issue? If you answered anything but “all of them,” you’ve forgotten that women are just as much human as men.”

I just want to say this again: it makes me so sad when you hate my Church. If you hate her, you don’t know her. If you hate her, you hate me.

This election is not over for me. It is another four years of wondering if I will be ridiculed for following God. It is another four years of worrying about my freedom of religion. It is another four years of watching innocent children die. It is another four years of pure fear. Am I being dramatic? I wish I was.

I’m so sorry you are upset and sad. I am not super involved in politics, so I don’t know all of the issues. I myself thought that the last four years weren’t so bad, so I couldn’t understand why everyone was getting so upset on FB this evening.

Please pardon my ignorance, but do you believe that Obama is against the Catholic faith? Or against all pro-life groups in general?

I hope you’re able to feel better soon… or at least find the good in the situation, whatever that might be for you. I would love to hear more of your thoughts… feel free to email me!

Dark times are coming for American Christians, who have enjoyed an unprecedented period of stability and peace in all the history of the world, except perhaps the Pax Romana. (Even then, however, with a large swath of the population still classified as slaves or second class citizens, it didn’t begin to approach the freedoms of our own time.)

Hi Lovely One! Thanks so much for your comment and interest. I was coming up with an answer for you, but I feel like Jenny did a wonderful job :) But, I will add a bit. I wouldn’t say that I think Obama hates Catholics or Pro-Life groups, as that is a strong word, and I would hope he doesn’t hate us. However, I will say that the legislature that he is coming out with disregards our faith and leaves us with two options: 1. deny our faith or 2. disobey our country. It is a very sad situation to be in, and unfortunately, it feels like the American people are turning a blind eye because we are Christians and not another minority group. If the HHS mandate passes as is, we will be forced to either close our religious institutions, pay fines that would close us down quickly, deny our faith and provide birth control and abortion services to our employees or only provide healthcare to Catholics and no one else. And, while it might only seem to affect Catholics, we feel that all Americans should be terrified. This is a HUGE violation of freedom of religion, and no one seems worried. If he is capable of passing this off without anyone batting an eyelash, what might happen to our country next?

I hope that makes sense, but if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate!

It is 11:52 p.m., and I cannot sleep. My mind is reeling. I read your every word and say, “Yes, someone else understands.” I weep for my children, for they will never know the America I knew as a child. I weep for all those who find everything in this world more precious than life itself. I weep for my parents for they will likely pass away feeling stranger to a nation that they once knew, shed blood for, loved and understood. And, I have to be honest, I am scared. This fear is not based on media hype or propaganda, but on the truth that for greater goods to be obtained, often much suffering must be endured. My only consolation is my faith, that this is not our home, and I beg the Lord for the strength and wisdom to teach my children, to raise them in such a way that they will have the courage to fight for truth, to fight for the fragile, to fight for objective freedom – even if it requires an unbearable price. God bless you.

This is really beautiful, Susan. Ina ll of it’s sadness and honesty, there is a very beautiful love for the Lord present in it. It makes me smile knowing the love you have for Him, and I can only imagine that God’s smile is infinity times larger. He will bless you for your love for Him :)

Well said. It’s a sad, sad day in our country. I’ve actually cried over the outcome. I’m in shock. I’m saddened by the direction our country is going. My husband and I keep reminding ourselves that Obama is not our leader, God is. He is our ultimate King; He reigns forever. Thanks for your post.

That is an awesome reminder. And I have to tell myself that so far, my day-to-day has not changed which means I can still raise my children in the way I want. I am just so sad for my brothers and sisters in Christ, ya know?

Jesus has given us an amazing opportunity here. We can be heroes. We can be martyrs. Bloodless, but martyrs just the same. These are the times that miracles happen. These are the times that Saints are made.

God chose you to be born into this generation. You are chosen. You are blessed. You are meant to be a witness at this time. In this culture of death, you will bring life and light.

Jenna and Theresa, I am profoundly happy to read the words of like-minded women. My goodness, was I deeply saddened and shaken and stirred by the outcome of the election. But, upon reflection, it is *good* to be shaken. God is telling us something powerful here. He is stirring our hearts, awakening our devotion, and making our faith steadfast. We *must* act as lights of the world- for our children, and for the children of those who don’t know any better. We no longer have a choice but to live and love boldly. I am weak and fearful, full of pride and sin. But! I am a daughter of Christ and will do everything in my power to be the woman God asks me to be. Peace to you, sisters.

Oh, Jenna. I feel it in my bones the way that you do. Our country has rejected the moral principles we used to hold dear – there is no other explanation. High gas prices, high unemployment, and a stagnant economy – the historical death knell for an incumbent – were overlooked in the rush to grasp at a Utopian future than can not possibly come to pass. A majority disregarded the single human right upon which all others rely – life. For months I believed that when it was time to make a choice, people would choose wisely, but I wrongly assumed that a majority still embraced our foundational principles.

The Cold War era, when we constantly sang the praises of our country where freedom of religion was a prized right in stark contrast to those of our foes, now seems like the halcyon days of our country. Ten minutes spent reading (not commenting) on social media this morning revealed to me that I am no longer the political opposition to many of my “friends” – I am The Enemy.

That is so well put. It is amazing that in such a short time we have become the minority, and, as you said, the enemy. We are seen as old fashioned and that we need to get with the times. Well, I say the times need to get with the Church :)

I have a honest question though, if you are so secure in your faith why do you stress out so much about the actions & decisions of other women that are beyond your control? If you know you are forgiven for your sins, why be concerned with others? Will they not be forgiven as well? I mean, surely these decisions have been going on for a long while- nothing will stop or change them, but why do you feel the need to “weep” and judge others for making crucial and difficult decisions? Truth is, you can be catholic/christian/religious/spiritual and still support Obama. Obama is not the devil (although many disagree). Let’s also be honest that Obama (or any president for that matter) really doesn’t actually decide or control all that goes on with our country. We all know that he mostly serves as a representative for Americans- a great figure/public speaker if you will. Being Liberal or Democractic is not disrespectful towards any religion and it’s truly upsetting that you and many others would think so. There will never be a perfect candidate or President, there will always be good with the bad, but I am willing to put some of my pesonal beliefs aside for the greater good. At any rate, I really enjoy reading your posts and think you are a wonderful person & mother, but I honestly think that people will be fine no matter who the President is. Your life and faith will not change so, just keep on keepin’ on… I know I will.

I think Jennifer said it really well: “Isn’t it a basic aspect of human empathy to want the best for our fellow countrymen? For example, we all support laws that protect women from being abused by their husbands, and we would be horrified and work to change things if any politicians ever worked to loosen those laws. Those are “other people’s sins,” yet we’re concerned about them because we’re concerned about protecting others from harm.” And, on top of that, the actions that we decide on as a country affect individual people. For example, the HHS mandate controversy or the continued legalization of the murder of innocent children. When we cast our vote for an individual (and I agree with you, he is just one man) we are casting a vote for what we consider to be valuable to our future. And if the lives of the innocent and the freedom of faith are not included in those values, well, that affects everyone in the most negative of ways.

And, I don’t want to get into an entire apologetics post right now, but what you said about sin is true. If my sins are forgiven, then yes, everyone’s can be. However, we cannot simply say we are sorry and be done with it. There is a process and ceremony that go with it. And, a minor side note, if we view something as sinful, but that we will be forgiven, should we even be going about those actions in the first place? (I know that isn’t technically what you meant, but it kind of went along with my thought).

“I have a honest question though, if you are so secure in your faith why do you stress out so much about the actions & decisions of other women that are beyond your control? If you know you are forgiven for your sins, why be concerned with others?”

Isn’t it a basic aspect of human empathy to want the best for our fellow countrymen? For example, we all support laws that protect women from being abused by their husbands, and we would be horrified and work to change things if any politicians ever worked to loosen those laws. Those are “other people’s sins,” yet we’re concerned about them because we’re concerned about protecting others from harm.

Great post, Jenna. I too am really struggling with the outcome of this election. I fear for our country.

Response to Jennifer: I agree, I am all for the “greater good”- I am largely a humanist, but I mean from a religious perspective. Just because something is against your specific religious beliefs, does not mean it should be illegal. By that logic, because Hindus worship cows and don’t eat beef does that mean McDonalds should be illegal? America is the melting pot for a reason (religions included). Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and religion, but if people cannot put aside their differences we will never move on. If people were not forced to put aside their beliefs and work together, women would still not be allowed to vote and we would still have slaves. People need to learn to embrace differences and diversity, not judge. “We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more.” – Bill Clinton

Marlene, I think you would just need to read up on the Catholic faith, and on the constitution, to understand where many Catholics are coming from. Our faith is a faith in action, and we are lucky to live in a country whose constitution *encourages* religious pluralism and specifically makes space for religion in the public sphere. (note, I’m not saying that this country was founded on Christian principles. I think there is room to argue that many of the founding fathers were not, in fact, Christian at all. Which makes it all the more important- and amazing!- that closet atheists and deists would uphold the value of religion in their republic.)

There’s a great USCCB publication called “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” that explains more about why it is that a Catholic would be compelled to exercise their faith in the public sphere: “In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, ‘It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person. . . . As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life’ (nos. 1913-1915)”.

So you see, it isn’t an issue of being “secure” in one’s faith, or of judging others’ actions. It is a matter of living out one’s beliefs as Catholics *and* as US citizens. It is a matter of our own conscience formation, which is a vital part of our faith. “Setting aside” our beliefs is a lot to ask. (note, I say this assuming you understand that most Catholics and Christians aren’t asking that the entire country subscribe to their own beliefs, just that the government not infringe upon their religious liberty. there is a difference.)

When it comes to abortion and contraceptives, both are considered by the Church to be intrinsic evils. Intrinsic evil basically means that there is no room for prudential judgment or waffling about when it comes to the issue of life. Life is *the* fundamental natural right, from which stems all other rights. (Think about how your ability to exercise your rights hinges on the fact that you are, in fact, ALIVE to exercise them.) Subsequently, other issues (even ones extremely important in Catholic social teaching, like a preferential option for the poor) fall behind it. So, for a Catholic to vote for a president whose policies clearly *favor* abortion in terms of expanding its availability, affordability, and legality beyond the first trimester. Roe v Wade *is* law in this country, there’s no getting around that. But! The deciding factor, in the case of voting a leader into office, should be “limiting the harm done by such a law”.

Lastly, I want to address the thought that the HHS mandate is in any way similar to your Hindu/beef analogy. I think the proper analogy, using your example of Hindus not eating beef, would be: forcing Hindi shop/restaurant owners to *purchase* and sell beef. That would go directly against their beliefs in an act of government coercion! I’ve not heard of any such situation occurring in this country. This is the same reason why Catholic organizations and businesses cannot and will not accept the mandate. For them to accept it would be to violate their own consciences. See, it isn’t that Catholics are simply angry that people use birth control or that they judge everyone who purchases it! It is the *act* of being made to purchase it for others that is the problem.

No worries for the novel; it saved me a lot of time typing all of that out :) But, I think what you said is perfect. As Catholics (and the Vatican and Bishops and so on and so on will agree), we aren’t trying to limit the choices of the American people. We understand that not everyone agrees with us, and we understand there is a separation of church and state. However, we do not want to be included in what we consider to be sinful, immoral behavior. And as far as voting in an election, just because something is a political matter does not mean that we disregard our religion in our vote. Instead, our religion dictates our lives, and that includes our vote. We might not be in the majority, but we don’t plan on taking part of their actions either.

I should add this too: part of what we are worried about is the fact that people are not more concerned that religious freedom is being marginalized. If we are able to let that slip by (whether we agree with religious principles or not) what freedom might be in jeopardy next? What is our reliance on government mandates and programs going to come down to? If they are in control of all of this, they have a lot of power over our personal lives, and with that power, scary things can slowly and quietly happen. When is the line drawn? What freedom will have to be compromised before the general public begins its outcry? We are asking people to support our religious freedom and fight for it, not just for us, but for protection of their own freedoms. We are not asking that they agree with our moral standings.

@Marlene: You’re making a few leaps here, though you are correct in one aspect. Obama IS only a man, and his election ISN’T a matter of “electing the devil.” However, he is a reflection on our society. He was chosen by a majority of the people based on their view of what our society is and what they want it to be. Unfortunately, much of what he advocates is detrimental to society as a whole, no matter what your religion (or lack thereof). Jenna also didn’t advocate that things that don’t agree with her beliefs (which I share) should be illegal…she in fact argued the opposite – that the beliefs of Catholics are being marginalized in a country that once stood strongly in defense of religious freedom.

***So, for a Catholic to vote for a president whose policies clearly *favor* abortion in terms of expanding its availability, affordability, and legality beyond the first trimester, would be to “abandon the moral requirement to seek full protection for all human life”.

Jenna thank you so much for your post. I cried all morning and couldn’t explain to my husband why. But you have put it beautifully. I do cry for the future of our children. Our country has allowed the killing of innocents for too long and thus we have no future. To Marlene it is not judgement to tell someone that they are wrong. There is absolute truth even if that person doesn’t want to admit to it. What is judgement is to try and rationalize for that person or decide”what is in their heart”. Again great post Jenna.

I agree. There is a difference between opinion and fact. Fact: children are being killed. We can’t have an opinion on that. It is horrific. And, I am so glad that I was able to help you in some small way :)

I appreciate everyone’s comments and reasoning, really I do. I didn’t come here to attack anyone, mostly curious and honestly want to know- I have facts of my own as well. I am not going to spill my whole life on there, but I grew up Catholic am currently in a place where there is little religious support and although I am constantly growing working on my faith, I will never be able to change my past. I say this because I once was a victim and had to make a very hard decision, with the help and support of my mother and family. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about it or how my life would be different, but I can’t deny that my life is infinately better because of it. I will forever feel like women do have the right to choose what is best for their bodies, but I also believe that many women abuse this right by pure carelessness and lack of responsibility. So, there really is no way to settle this (in my opinion). If we continue to offer these services, there is no doubt that many will abuse it and if we deny it, then many who truly need it will suffer. I am not a mother yet, but I plan on having children with my husband in the near future so, maybe that bond and growing faith may change my opinion? Who are we to prevent such a decision for those that truly need it (as horrific as many see it)? I feel I will struggle with this issue forever, seeing both points of the argument, but how does one overcome it?

I don’t think anyone feels attacked at all. I think we all are appreciating the discussion :) Now, as far as the rest of your comment goes, Ellen just woke up from her nap, and I don’t think that with her awake I can do this justice, so, I am going to mull over my thoughts and reply to you when I can focus better :) In the meantime, I will just say that I am praying for you and whatever your past may hold xo

I feel similarly about my rape experience. I was raped. I was violated. I was physically, mentally and spiritually harmed. But several years after the last incident, I can look back on that experience and feel that I am a better person now. My life is better, my heart is bigger and I possess more skills and a great knowledge of the world than before I was raped. I can’t deny that my life is infinitely better because of being raped.

We as humans have a remarkable ability to weave our experiences into the bigger tapestry of life, blurring the edges between memories and making them as positive and helpful as possible. There are women who feel their lives are better because they ended their pregnancies. And there are women who feel their lives are better because they gave birth, then placed their child for adoption. And there are women who feel their lives are better because they gave birth and remained the primary caregiver of their child.

How we process what happens to us, and how we decide to heal, move on and make use of our lives does not change the merit or damage of the topics discussed here. Just because something can be turned into a positive does not make that something a positive. For example, even though I feel empowered and greatly bettered due to my rape experiences, I advocate against rape and 100% oppose it, and want it to be completely illegal in all states.

It’s hard for us to battle our personal conclusions with conclusive principles. I know. I hope this helped in any way.

Ok, I’m back, and with an answer to your comment this time :) I guess I will address your comment from top to bottom as I have a lot of thoughts, and that might be the most organized way to do it. Let’s start with growing up Catholic. I’m curious. What do you mean that there is little religious support? I am wondering if maybe that is something you’re trying to look into/interested in. If so, let me know because I have a lot of super caring, intelligent women and men (including myself) that love to support us young Catholics. Let me know if it is something you want to know more about.

And, I don’t want to pry into your life if it isn’t something you want to talk about, but for the sake of conversation, I have kind of assumed that perhaps you have been in a really terrible situation where you had to chose between having a baby or not.

I think one thing as Catholics that we often forget is that there are real people with real situations and real emotions on the other end of our pro-life war. When there isn’t a real person present, we get really passionate about it (which we are!), but sometimes fail to consider who our audience might be. There may be someone who is hurting on the other end of our comments. It’s hard to ever know whom you are really talking to; we all have pasts.

To prolife people, we just see life being taken away, which is crushing to someone who understands the child to be a life. I cannot imagine being a person that needs to make that decision. I cannot imagine being victimized and taken advantage of and then having to face a cold hard reality. Many of my friends and family work closely with pregnant women that were abused/taken advantage of and ended up pregnant. Some of them choose life and are so thankful they did. A lot of them chose to end their pregnancies and then have to deal with the guilt/being a statistic/having people give opinions on something so horrible etc…I cannot IMAGINE living with that reality.

If you want to talk about this more Marlene, I would love to do so with you. I do have some answers to the questions you closed with. I do believe, with all my heart, that every child deserves life regardless of the situation that brought about his/her conception, and if you are open to it, I would love to tell you a little bit more about why. But, if you would rather I just pray for you, I can promise I will do that as well. It sounds like you have thought deeply about these things, and my heart goes out to you in our little blog world! Let me know how I can help you if you’d like it, but in the meantime, I know I am praying

Finally, I just want to say that I hope you know I care more about you as a person than any particular issue. I wouldn’t be pro-life if I didn’t. I believe all human beings are worthy of life, and not just life, but a quality one. I wouldn’t be pro-life if I wished ill upon those who are already born.

Again, if you want to ask more questions or get into things deeper, I would be so grateful for the opportunity. Thanks again for this awesome discussion and reminder that while Catholics must continue to fight for the rights of all humans – born and unborn- we must also remember to show love to those who are questioning and hurting.

Hi Jenna. I am a new subscriber. I am a Christian, a mom, a wife, and a democrat (9 times out of 10). I can appreciate your passion over this election; I too have been very engaged and emotional as a Christian who often feels I have to argue that I can prayerfully vote for a democrat. I tend to vote for candidate who (I believe) will do more to protect and take care of a child once he or she is born. All children need healthcare, food (even when their parents cannot always make wise choices for them), education and access to early intervention, for example. I personally am pro-life, but I cannot advocate that our government make that decision for all women in all cases (though I do understand and respect your belief and passion on this issue).

I look forward to following your blog as I continue to seek to grow in my faith. Thank you.

Hi Holli! Thanks for stopping by and adding to the discussion. I have talked to a lot of people who also feel this way, and I can totally understand why. I do feel that Democrats are definitely more apt to create programs and institutions that help out social problem for the already born. In my mind, it’s kind of what makes a Democrat a Democrat :) But, there is one point we do disagree on. Myself being pro-life, I think it is totally acceptable for our government to make that decision for all women. If we truly truly believe that an unborn child is a human, and that abortion is murder (which I do, and it sounds like you do too), then we can absolutely make it illegal. We can argue that the murder of a human being is murder, and that’s just not ok. And, obviously, murder is already illegal for humans outside of the womb (which is also starting to blur since Obama says he supports infanticide). What are your thoughts?

I cannot say that I equate abortion with murder in all cases. For many of us, our faith helps us to definite when we believe life actually begins.

Also, I feel it is worth noting that Obama himself did not say that he supports the practice of infanticide. Others have said this for him based on his lack of support for bills on while a senator in Illinois. I know it can be said that one’s voice is one’s vote, but he has said that his vote was based the bills attempting to undermine Roe vs. Wade. He (Obama) has also said that he does not support infanticide and has not worked to allow the practice in any way.

I do understand the passion behind focusing on law and policies regarding abortion. While I’m not trying to dismiss the importance of this, I think we can often miss the equal value of advocating for policies to help care for all of our children who are born alive, the lack of which on a global level I also feel is a tragedy. In the end, we both want the same thing…healthy children born to parents and families with the means and resources to help them thrive. Again, I just wanted to voice that there are followers of Jesus who see President Obama as a good and humble leader for our country, too. Thanks for your reply.

Realized I left out one thought regarding your questions for me equating abortion and murder. In addition to the question over when life begins, I cannot call a woman in whose shoes I have not walked a murderer. This is one main reason why I believe it is a private issue. Again, I appreciate your comments and replies on this thread. This is such a complex issue, and it is refreshing to see civil and thoughtful discussion. Thanks again.

Hey Holli- Thank you for you thoughts too. I guess I will add one more thing to our conversation. If we know that life begins at conception (life defined by science as the ability to reproduce, can grow, takes in and uses energy, responds to stimuli etc.), can we really argue that an unborn child is ever not alive and human?

And, you’re right, in the name of compassion and tolerance, we shouldn’t be walking around calling women murderers, because they are dealing with real hurt and regret from the affects of abortion. But, that does not change what the deed itself actually is.

I pray your extreme ignorance, an ignorance developed through the word of common man in an attempt to control the simple minded and gain political and financial power, is not passed down to your poor children. The world has enough lunatics. The separation of church and state exists in our constitution for a very specific reason, and you exemplify this reason eloquently.

Jenna, I just came upon your blog tonight (late, late tonight) and just wanted to tell you how much I love it…and how much I love this post. You have summed up a lot of what many of us are feeling after the election. Thank you for your gracious words in the post and in the comment box! Loved reading everything ;)

Goodness…that’s a lot of “love” for one comment, yes? Blessings to you.

Hi Cynthia! I am so glad that I was able to offer any kind of joy to you last night :) I tell you, sometimes it is reading blogs, reading real women’s thoughts that is the most comforting thing. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting, and blessings to you too!

You think that Obama is an attack on YOUR faith, but what about the many, many people who would have had their faith attacked is Romney was President?

Just because there was a candidate who chose to run based on Christianity alone, doesn’t mean he was right for everyone. Every other person in the Country (heck, this WORLD!) deserves to have someone fighting for their faith. Christianity is far from the only religion in this world. You, and other Catholics, aren’t attacked by any means. Talk to people who are victims of hate crimes based on the religion alone, or people who are shunned in their communities, whispered about by strangers.

Don’t pretend like you are the victim, you are far from it. Be as pro-life as you want to be, but don’t diminish the lives of others just because you think that your beliefs are the only correct ones. It’s disgusting.

Hi Rachel. I would love to talk with you more about this. Can you explain to me the attacks that Romney would be committing if he were president? Perhaps I am unaware of some important facts/news.

And, it saddens me to think that you are angry that other religions should be protected too, while at the same time telling a Christian woman that her thoughts and fears for her religion are unbased and wrong. Wouldn’t we be included in the group of people in this country you are speaking of?

And, unfortunately, in this world, there are people who are victims of hate crimes based on a number of things. I supposed I don’t see that as a reason to allow attacks on Christianity to continue. I see it as a reason to fight back against it more. Wouldn’t it be nice if people were respectful of my religion as well?

And, I am unsure how I am diminishing the lives of others by being pro-life and stating my fears. The only thing I find disgusting is the fact that Christians are conveniently left out of the equality equation.

I will say many prayers for you, and I hope you would be willing to talk a little bit more about this in a more civil manner that doesn’t attack the thoughts of another human being.

Again, you’re playing the victim here. I never once said that Christians weren’t being diminished, I simply stated that I was sick of Christians being the only group that only paid attention to their own plight. You continue to only fight the Christian fight, and only advocate for your own self.

When you are able to also pay attention to the rights of others (beyond saying people are victims of hate crime all the time, so, get over it already if religion is also on the list) then I’ll be happy to talk more. And, for the record, I never said your opinion was unbased and wrong. Not even once. You just assume that because I’m disagreeing with you that I’m attacking you. If you took a break from thinking only about you, then you’d get that.

No, you aren’t willing. That’s the problem. You are only willing to restate your same “all about me views” over and over again. Talking about things required actual dialogue where you respect the other viewpoint.

I am not angry. I can’ assume that either you aren’t able to see other views without viewing it as an attack, are unable to comprehend these words properly, or needed a copout so that you don’t need to actually respond. Again, disagreening doesn’t equal attack. We are all entitled to our own views.

I don’t need help. I’m really very, very happy. Being able to get along with many other people, respect their wishes and learn new things thrills me. I’m not walking through every day with hate in my heart and a deep, deep fear of things that I don’t agree with. Really, I see you as the one who needs help. It must be awful feeling such distaste towards everyone.

I hope that things get easier for you, I really do. And I hope that the hate in your heart dissipates. I won’t be responding further, and I won’t be giving you anymore pageviews. You’re lucky that you stumblmed into blogging for money, because with this attitude and outward expressions of bigotry, you’d certainly never make it in the real world. You won’t be making money off me anymore. Best of luck to you, you’ll need it.

I’m so sorry you don’t take my offer seriously and that you are making assumptions about me. If you ever need to talk about any of the questions you might have, or if you decide that you do want to learn more about me and my faith (as you say you love to learn new things), I would be more than willing to have a dialogue. I hope your Thanksgiving isn’t filled with hateful comments and instead is surrounded with love.

So of course, I had to go back and look:) I had a similar awful situation this weekend as well. It was disgusting. Sorry friend. But sometimes, when the rage, anger and hurt is so huge, there is nothing we can do or say to counter it, at least that is what I’ve found, people’s pain is deep, and often expressed through the safety of a computer screen. Well, that’s the conclusion I drew this weekend after A LOT of swear words :) keep rocking the truth in love friend!

Jenna – I just discovered your blog earlier this week and I am so glad I did. This post eloquently and intelligently summarizes my own fears as a Catholic mother that I have been struggling with since Obama’s re-election. I have not always agreed with Presidents in the past but this is the first time I have truly feared for my religious freedom as well as other personal freedoms. Blessings to you and your family! Keep up the fantastic posts!